Sept.13, 2014

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 24  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  SEPTEMBER 13, 2014  FREE

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES n WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

Let’s Move! DeKalb to host annual community walk ....page 4 Atlanta mourns S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A ...page 10

People

Rockdale Democrats rally for Doreen Williams ....page 3

Community Coming Up

Celebrating19 years

See Sunday voting, page 6

See Pastors, page 8

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

By Joshua Smith

DeKalb County’s plan to roll out Sunday voting—a new quest to boost voter

turnout—has sparked an uproar among Republicans who say the move will give Democrats an unfair edge.

DeKalb, particularly South DeKalb, is largely Democrat and many say the Sunday voting day will prompt a surge, especially if pastors urge congregations to go to the polls.

Three DeKalb precincts will be open on Sunday, Oct. 26, noon to 5 p.m., during the early voting period. The General Election is Nov. 4.

DeKalb’s Board of Registrations and Elections passed the Sunday plan 3-2 on Sept. 11. The five-member board’s two Democrats and one Independent approved the plan with the two Republicans on the board voting against it.

DeKalb follows Lowndes

County, which approved Sunday voting on Sept. 9. Fulton County also is giving the nod as other counties in Georgia study the measure. Rockdale County officials were supposed to discuss Sunday voting on Sept. 11 but canceled its meeting after one of the three board members became ill.

“We haven’t established when the meeting will be rescheduled to as of yet, but Sunday voting will be on the agenda for discussion,” said Cynthia Welch, director of Rockdale’s Board of Elections and Voter Registration.

DeKalb made national news this week after Republican State Sen. Fran Millar blasted DeKalb officials for the Sunday voting plan. Millar said the plan favors the Democratic Party and that he would like to see “more educated voters” rather than those who are less informed on the issues. His Facebook page was inundated with

Sunday voting plan causes uproar

By Joshua Smith and Valerie J. Morgan

Fed up with negative news reports about DeKalb County’s elected officials, a coalition of pastors is demanding more accountability from them.

As the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met for its Sept. 9 meeting, the group of 11 pastors representing some of DeKalb’s largest congregations held a press conference outside the Old DeKalb Courthouse in downtown Decatur to call the board members on the carpet for ethics allegations each is facing.

“We want accountability. We’ve been concerned for a while now. We’re watching you (B.O.C.). Not a day

goes by that some negative article is in the paper about DeKalb County,” said Pastor Quincy Lavelle Carswell of the Covenant Church in Decatur. “We are not judging anybody. We’re just saying that we’re concerned and we would like to see a change in the current direction.”

Carswell said the group plans to meet with the Board of Commissioners by the end of the month to discuss strategies to help get the county on track.

The outcry from pastors comes on the heels of former Commissioner Elaine Boyer, pleading guilty Sept. 3 to federal charges of wire and mail fraud. Boyer faces a maximum 40-year sentence and a $500,000 fine. She will

DeKalb pastors to county leaders:

‘We’re watching you’ Meriel Bemis

Lela Bemis

Mother sentenced to life for suffocating

3-year-old daughterA 21-year-old Stone Mountain

mother will spend the rest of her life behind bars for murdering her 3-year-old daughter after breaking up with her boyfriend.

Meriel Bemis accepted a life sentence before DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams on Sept. 11 after pleading guilty to felony murder and aggravated assault. Prosecutors said she suffocated Lela Bemis on Feb. 23.

“As a mother, I could not begin to understand how and why [Meriel] would take the life of her innocent child in such a vicious way,” said Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dalia Racine, who served as lead prosecutor in the case. “As the prosecutor in this case, I fought for the child who no longer has a voice and for the child whose future was snatched from her by the acts of her very own mother.”

Bemis, who lived in Stone Mountain, was involved in an argument with her boyfriend, Troy Walker. After Walker left the residence, Bemis contacted him and confessed to murdering her daughter. Walker returned to the residence where he found Lela’s lifeless body. He called 911 and attempted to administer CPR. Walker is not the father of Bemis’ daughter.

The child was pronounced dead at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. An autopsy revealed she died from suffocation. “This sentence will never bring Lela back, however, there is justice in the fact that Meriel has assumed some level of responsibility and will serve a life sentence for her malicious acts,” added Racine.

Photo Joshua Smith/OCG News

DeKalb County Director of Voter Registration and Elections Maxine Daniels examines a map showing the three locations selected for Sunday voting in DeKalb.

Concerned pastors from throughout DeKalb County unite to voice concerns over turmoil in DeKalb government.

PAGE 2  SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 24

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Community News

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Debra DeBerry

JaNice Van Ness

Citizens now have two new options to pay for records and filing fees at the DeKalb County Clerk’s Office: credit and debit cards.

DeKalb is the first county clerk in the state of Georgia to accept credit and debit card payments from walk-in customers, officials announced. “By accepting credit cards, we are providing better customer service and as a convenience to those citizens who rarely carry cash, and saving them the hassle of obtaining a cashier’s check or money order,” said DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry.

The DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court partnered with NIC Services, a subsidiary of NIC Inc. (NASDAQ: EGOV), to offer the new payment options to citizens. The partnership operates under a self-funded model in which no tax dollars or county funds were used to obtain and maintain the payment service. Customers can now make credit/debit card payments for the following county services: • Recording/filing fees • Notary fees, land records, civil records Credit or debit cards displaying the Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express logo will be accepted. For more information, call the Clerk of Court’s office at 404-371-2251.

Rockdale considering changes to Neighborhood

Stabilization program

Rockdale County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness will host a town hall meeting about possible changes to the use of the county’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds. The town hall is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m., at the Rockdale County Government Annex, Lobby B, 1400 Parker Road in Conyers.

An overview will be provided about the current use of NSP funds and changes being proposed. Residents will have a chance to ask questions and share their opinions. The Board of Commissioners is considering amending the NSP Action Plan with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to change the use of the funds from home renovations and sales to the demolition of foreclosed and abandoned properties with construction of new homes on the same site.

NSP was created in Rockdale to minimize the foreclosure impact and stabilize communities by using federal funds allocated to the State, which then competitively offered them to local governments in Georgia. Foreclosed and abandoned homes are purchased in targeted areas and local contractors renovate the properties. The homes are sold to eligible homebuyers with NSP investing an average of $45,000 in repairs and improvements per home as an added benefit to the buyer.

The public is encouraged to attend the town hall. For more information, contact the Board of

Commissioners Office at 770-278-7001 or Commissioner Van Ness at 770-356-7301 or [email protected].

Conyers police seek Waffle House robbery suspect

A man wearing a “Scream” mask robbed a Waffle House in Conyers and police are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Conyers Police have released a video of a suspect who robbed the Waffle House on West Avenue in Conyers on Sept. 11.

The suspect, described as a light skinned black male in his late teens or early 20s, 5’8 to 5’10, entered the restaurant around 6:55 a.m. and robbed the restaurant at gunpoint.

Tipsters are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information on this case. They will remain anonymous. Call 404-577-TIPS or visit the web site for more information: www.crimestoppersatlanta.org

To view the video, go to: http://youtu.be/QV5swC98nVI

DeKalb Clerk’s Office accepting credit, debit cards

By Joshua Smith

Doreen Williams nearly came to tears as she looked out at the number of supporters who attended her Sept. 10 fundraiser for the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Post 2 seat. The Democrat will face Republican incumbent JaNice Van Ness for the seat on Nov. 4.

“I am so excited about this race. For me, it feels like a continuation of the opportunity I had to work in education 30 years, working with families and administrators to make a difference with families,” said Williams, a 20-year resident of Rockdale. “I feel like I can really make a difference in Rockdale. We have already phone banked more than 2,000 calls and knocked on about 1,000 doors in the rain and other obstacles. You will continue to see me doing that. My favorite part of anything is knocking on doors and actually touching the voters. I love making those personal connections.”

County Chairman Richard Oden said he is supporting Williams because he feels she is the best person for the seat.

“I could go all night about how wonderful and dedicated Doreen has been to Rockdale Democrats and Democrats across this state. When we made history in our victories in Rockdale, Doreen has been

there since Day One,” said Oden. “I need her on January 1 to sit to my left so we can really take care of county business together in unity.”

Along with Oden, Williams has already garnered the support of Congressman Hank Johnson who said Williams would be very effective as a commissioner and Sen. Ronald Ramsey who said Williams will go above and beyond to ensure that Rockdale County will be led with integrity and professionalism. State Rep. Pam Dickerson and Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley have also gave their nod of approval.

Williams, a retired educator, brings many years of community experience. She has served as a member and the Secretary/

Treasurer of the Board of Directors for View Point Health, an organization that administers the mental health system for Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton counties under the Georgia State Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Williams has also served as co-chair for the statewide Georgia Federation of Democratic Women’s Mental Health Committee and served as the Chair of the Rockdale County Democratic Party and as its treasurer. As a small business owner for eight years, she was active in the Chamber of Commerce as well as other affiliated professional organizations.

Williams says she would like to see increased efforts for economic development including the adoption and implementation of a long-range strategic plan and the effective coordination of educational courses needed for businesses interested in relocating to Rockdale County. Another area of interest is budget negotiations, making certain that the needs of each department are carefully considered and a long-range strategic plan created and implemented for each department.

She and her husband, John, have been married for 39 years.

Rockdale Democrats rally for Doreen Williams, commissioner candidate

Rockdale Post 2 Commissioner Democrat candidate Doreen Williams talks with supporters at her Sept. 10 fundraiser in Conyers.


Coming Up

ATLANTAPiedmont Park to host Atlanta Arts Festival

Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive, N.E., Atlanta, will host the Atlanta Arts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The festival includes artists’ demonstrations, classes and live entertainment from local acts. Attendees can also shop for food vendors as well as buy arts and crafts from dozens of artists traveling to the festival from all over Georgia and other states such as California, the Carolinas, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and Florida.

Event organizer Julie Tepp says the festival was founded with the goal of contributing to the cultural life of the community by producing a quality fine art and fine craft festival.

The festival is free to attend. For more information, call event organizer Julie Tepp at 770-941-9660.

Officials set additional meetings to discuss Atlanta infrastructure projectsThe City of Atlanta will continue public information meetings for the 2015 Proposed

Infrastructure Bond. The city, which is facing an infrastructure backlog of more than $900 million, is providing a draft list of potential projects to be considered under the bond, and asking for additional public input.

The bond referendum will fund improvements for roads, bridges, sidewalks and upgrade critical public buildings and facilities.

Throughout June and July, the Department of Public Works and Planning and Community Development, in coordination with the Atlanta City Council, held a number of public information meetings to determine project priority and criteria for the bond.

The second round of meetings continue and will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. as follows:

Sept. 16, 2014 - Ben Hill Recreation Center, 2405 Fairburn Road, S.W. Sept. 18, 2014 - Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin L. King, Jr., S.W. Sept. 23, 2014 - John C. Birdine Recreation Center, 215 Lakewood Way, S.W. Sept. 25, 2014 - Atlanta City Hall Auditorium, 68 Mitchell Street, S.W. Sept. 30, 2014 - Piedmont Hospital - Shepherd Center, Callaway Auditorium, 7th Floor, 2020 Peachtree Road N.W.

A program overview and a list of potential projects are available at www.atlantaga.gov/infrastructure. Additionally, residents can also visit the webpage to find an interactive map, developed and created by Code for America, which allows users to find projects in their neighborhood that are being considered under the bond. For more information about the 2015 Proposed Infrastructure Bond, call Rodney Givens at the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, Office of Transportation Capital Projects: 404-330-6739.

DEKALBDeKalb History Center’s Lunch & Learn features Junior League

The Junior League of DeKalb County will highlight some of its most significant

accomplishments over the last 80 years during a Lunch & Learn hosted by the DeKalb History Center.

The program, which is free to attend, will be held Sept. 16, noon to 1 p.m., in the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd Floor, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Bring your lunch for this educational event.

Volunteers needed for stream cleanup DeKalb County Watershed Management and the City of Doraville are hosting a

stream cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. – noon, along Nancy Creek in Doraville. The cleanup will begin at the Homeland Drive Greenspace, 2646 Homeland Drive,

Doraville. Volunteers are needed to help remove trash and debris from Nancy Creek, which

flows into the Chattahoochee River. Volunteers should be prepared to get in and out of the stream, wade in knee-deep water, and walk over rocks and logs. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hats, work gloves, bug repellant, and clothes that can get dirty are recommended. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian present at all times.

For more information or to register for the cleanup, contact Michael O’Shield, environmental education specialist, at 770-724-1456 or by email at [email protected].

Kelley Lake COGIC to host Harvest FestivalKelley Lake Church of God in Christ, 2411 Whites Mill Road, Decatur, will host its

annual Harvest Festival/Flea Market on Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Organizers say there will be original arts and crafts, household items, clothes,

health awareness information, food and games. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Youth Scholarship Fund.

For more information on vendor spaces, call J. Cleveland at 404-475-8028 or Clara Betterson at 404-406-0907.

Commissioner Watson to host 4th annual ‘Deacons In Devotion’ event DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will present his 4th Annual Deacons

in Devotion event on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Porter Sanford, III Performing Arts and Community Center.

A dessert reception begins at 4 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 5 p.m. The purpose of this event is to highlight the tradition and impact of the deacons’ ministries in African-American churches. This year, Watson will welcome Dr. Bobby Jones, of the renowned Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, as the Master of Ceremonies. Eight DeKalb County deacons’ ministries will present a song, prayer and hymn. Several metro-area gospel personalities will be recognized for their contribution as African-American men in gospel music.

The program is open to the community free of charge.

Overcomers Christian Fellowship to honor leaders at Community Impact DayApostle Benny Momoh and Overcomers Christian Fellowship, 7373 Covington

Highway, Lithonia, will honor several community luminaries and business leaders on Sept. 21, at 10 a.m.

The Community Impact Award & Entrepreneur Recognition Day will recognize individuals who have successfully started and sustained their own businesses and are operating locally, nationally, or internationally, as well as those who are contributing to make their communities better places.

Amaka Nwabichiri, a devoted philanthropist, whose mission and ministry are aimed at reaching the less fortunate in Abuja, Nigeria, will be recognized as the special honoree for the program. Nwabichiri is a real estate developer who is also the president of Ada Zion Foundation in Abuja.

The community is invited to attend to the program.

GWINNETT

Police Department accepting applications for Citizens Academy

The Gwinnett County Police Department Citizens Academy is accepting applications for its next session, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Residents will receive training on topics including animal welfare and enforcement, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations, firearms, SWAT, traffic enforcement and vehicle pullovers.

“The academy is designed to educate citizens of Gwinnett about their police department and how officers enforce local and state laws,” said Corporal Jason Ayers. “The goal of the CPA is to create and develop a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning police practices and the delivery of services.”

Academy graduates gain a wealth of knowledge to share with others in their communities. In addition, many graduates volunteer with the Department or become active in the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which also serves the Department and community in a variety of ways. Notably, the alumni association assists with searches for missing or endangered persons.

The CPA is open to all Gwinnett residents 18 years of age or older who successfully pass the application process and have a driver’s license. Participants must also be willing to undergo a criminal history check. If you are interested in participating, e-mail [email protected] or call 678-226-7758.

Public Safety Fall Festival setThe Gwinnett County Police Department and the Department of Fire and Emergency

Services will host the fifth annual Public Safety Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville.

The free event, open to the community, will feature fire truck, police motorcycle and helicopter displays, safety training demonstrations, kids’ activities, pet adoptions, and a softball face-off between Gwinnett’s police officers and firefighters.

Those who attend are asked to bring canned food donations to help fill Gwinnett’s food bank shelves for the holidays.

For more information, contact the Gwinnett Police Crime Prevention Unit at 770-513-5119 or the Gwinnett Fire Com munity Risk Reduction Education Section at 678-518-4845.

ROCKDALE

Free carnival set for children with special needsThe Church of Latter-day Saints, 1275 Flat Shoals Rd., Conyers, will host a carnival

for children with special needs and their families on Sept. 20, 3 to 5 p.m. There will be lots of fun activities for children of all ages: face painting, carnival food and prizes, an obstacle course, crafts, carnival games, and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Rockdale Democrats set post holder meeting The Rockdale Democratic Party, 1264 Parker Road, Suite K, Conyers, will host a post

holder meeting on Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. to discuss coverage for the upcoming election.The meeting will cover several important events planned over the next several weeks

that may be of interest to Democrats. www.rockdaledems.org.

Let’s Move! DeKalb to host annual community walk

Let’s Move DeKalb! and County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson are hosting the 9th Annual Let’s Move! DeKalb Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27, 8:30 a.m., at New Life Christian Academy, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur.

This year, the walk will focus on Lupus awareness and research. “Join me as we walk to raise funds and awareness for the 55,000 Georgians living with lupus and

the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America,” said Johnson. “We are walking to give hope, to inspire, to make a change and find a cure. Let’s get behind this chapter as they continue to expand statewide free educational programs, advocacy and awareness efforts including symposiums and support groups.”

Participation in the walk is free and does not require registration. Johnson and members of the LACES Support for Lupus Research group will lead the walk.

Sign-up for the walk is from 7 – 8 a.m. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. Walkers are asked to park at Firestone Tires at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Shuttles will be provided to New Life until 8 a.m.

For more information, call 404-371-2425 or check Commissioner Johnson’s Facebook page for updates.


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Dwayne Leon ColeLorenzo Rachell

Demetrius Carter

Atlanta-Fulton Library system restores Friday hours at 10 branchesTen Atlanta-Fulton Public Library

System branches are now open on Fridays again effective Sept. 12. The Fulton Board of Commissioners voted to restore Friday hours at Adams Park, Adamsville-Collier Heights, Buckhead, Central, East Atlanta, East Point, Northeast/Spruill Oaks, Ocee, Roswell, South Fulton and Southwest. These libraries were selected due to their high computer use and circulation of materials, officials said.

The new Wolf Creek Library opened to the public on Monday, Sept. 8. This is the first library to open in Phase I of the Library Building Program, funded by the 2008 Library Bond Referendum. The Auburn Avenue Research Library is currently closed for

its renovation and expansion project. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library

System is the largest in the state, with 34 libraries and a collection of more than 2.5 million items. Last year, patrons borrowed more than 3.4 million items, made 3.6 million visits to the libraries and our website had over 8 million hits.

For more information, visit www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1977.

Traffic stop leads to arrest of DeKalb murder suspectMurder suspect Demetrius Eugene Carter is in custody

at the DeKalb County Jail after being arrested Friday, Sept. 5, by police in Porterdale, a Newton County community east of Atlanta.

On Aug. 27, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Squad had asked for the public’s help in locating Carter, who was wanted for the shooting death of Kevin Anthony Barnes on Aug.16 in Decatur.

Carter was apprehended while he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation in Porterdale. The driver, an unidentified female, was not wanted in connection with the murder. Crimestoppers had posted a reward for information leading to Carter’s arrest.

DeKalb Fugitive Squad arrests one, seeking second suspect in robbery murder

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s

Office Fugitive Squad has arrested Lorenzo Rachell in the July 22 armed robbery and murder of Bacaseva Hill in Decatur. They are requesting assistance from the public in locating the second suspect.

After Cleveland Avenue neighbors recognized the suspect from wanted posters, investigators and U.S. Marshals went to a motel where they were able to arrest Rachell without incident on Aug. 28. He is charged with robbing Hill of his backpack at gunpoint and then shooting him to death at 4300 Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur. Rachell is being held at the DeKalb County Jail.

Investigators have an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Dwayne Leon Cole, who faces armed robbery and murder charges relating to the same incident. He remains at-large and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the suspect should call the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office at 404-298-8200. Crime Stoppers Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest.

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Gwinnett schools search for Teachers of the Year The Gwinnett County Public School System is conducting a search for its

Teachers of the Year, the cream of the crop from among the county’s 131 schools. “Fall is without a doubt one of our favorite times of the year. It marks the

beginning of the school year and the time when we recognize the best teachers in the business...our local teachers of the year,” said Dr. Nikki Mouton, executive director of Curriculum and Instruction. “These teachers model day in and day out what it means to be an effective teacher as they give their time, energy, and commitment to their students. As a school district, we are honored that they are our teachers and that we can recognize their dedication to students, to the profession, and to public education.”

Every year, the school system honors the passion and commitment of its teachers during the Teacher of the Year recognition process, which takes place each fall. The 131 local school honorees will move into the next phase as they are considered for the system-wide honor. Later this month, the group will be narrowed down to 25 semifinalists. From that group, six finalists will be chosen in mid-October. The annual Teacher of the Year banquet and the announcement of this year’s top teacher in Gwinnett will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth.


Sunday votingcontinued from page 1

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comments and protests from many who said they considered the remark racist.

DuBose Porter, chairman of the Democratic Party, is one of those who spoke out against Millar’s comments.

“He (Sen. Millar) is clearly alluding that African American voters are less educated. He should not be so comfortable making a comment like that without some accountability,” Porter said in an online statement. “His (Sen. Millar) context had horrendous racial overtones. I think the rest of the 158 counties in Georgia should follow DeKalb on this. Voting should be as convenient as possible.”

“We just want to make sure this process is fair for everyone. It seems that this plan is catered to South DeKalb. North DeKalb should have just as many locations to vote for on Sunday voting,” said Millar. “My comments were not at all racists. I simply meant that we need to make sure the Sunday voting locations are in areas where voters educated on all the issues.”

Millar also criticized DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May for endorsing the plan, saying DeKalb had cut the early voting period because of its costs to the county.

“What happened to the fact that the entire early voting process was too expensive? That was the reason the period was cut down,” said Millar. “Now, all of a sudden, we are hit with a Sunday voting process. Seriously? Right now it looks like this is a plan catered to South DeKalb, which is heavily populated and influenced with Democrats.”

May defended the plan. “We reached out to several malls in DeKalb:

two in the North and two in the South. South DeKalb Mall is the only mall that responded. They are hosting Sunday voting for free, so this process won’t cost the taxpayers,” said May. “This is about making the voting process more accessible to everyone: black, white, Republican or Democrat. We wanted to give DeKalb voters an additional chance to make their voices heard.”

The polling sites for Sunday voting in DeKalb are the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, the main elections office on Memorial Drive and the Chamblee Civic Center.

Maxine Daniels, director of Voter Registration and Elections in DeKalb, says early voting on Sunday is another way to get people to the polls.

“This is a trial run, so to speak, to see if this will work out for the voters of DeKalb,” Daniels said. “We are always interested in making voting easier and sensible for voters. We plan to see if this will be cost affective and see if folks will come out.”

The DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections started looking at a Sunday voting plan about three months ago after researching other states such as Ohio and Florida that have had Sunday voting days.

“Some other states have had it for at least four years now. I thought this might be a great opportunity to get out and test the waters. This has never been done in the state of Georgia,” said Samuel Tillman, who chairs the board. “Every opportunity that we get to expose the voters to more opportunities or more chances to vote, we have to explore those opportunities.”

John Evans, president of the DeKalb County NAACP, voiced his support for Sunday voting, dismissing Republicans who opposed it.

“This process should help get more people to the polls, especially if churches lend a hand and help with transportation and getting the word out,” said Evans.

DeKalb County has more registered voters than any county in Georgia except for Fulton. But reports show that the county of about 450,000 registered voters suffers from the same off-cycle decline endured by other Democratic-heavy areas in the state.

DeKalb has 153,015 white voters and 240,433 black voters.

“The numbers show that DeKalb early voters have come to the polls at a rate of 70 percent for presidential elections, but only 40 to 30 percent or lower for off years like this one,” said May. “I think this will be a great way to increase those numbers. We hope this extra day will benefit all voters in the county.”

Here are the early voting locations for the Oct. 13 – 31 process. Central DeKalb: Voter Registration & Elections Office; Two Areas – One Exclusively for Senior and Disabled Voters4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GAMonday through Friday, October 13 – 31, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 26, Noon to 5 p.m.

Tucker Recreation Center4898 LaVista Road, Tucker, GAMonday through Friday, Oct. 13 – 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South DeKalbThe Gallery at South DeKalb Mall2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GAMonday through Friday, Oct. 13 – 31, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 26, Noon to 5 p.m.

Chamblee Civic Center3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GASunday, Oct. 26, Noon to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday, Oct. 27 – 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Brookhaven City Hall 4362 Peachtree Road, NE, Brookhaven, GAMonday through Friday, Oct. 27 – 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DecaturClark Harrison Building330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GAMonday through Friday, Oct. 27 – 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Berean Community Center 2440 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GAMonday through Friday, Oct. 27 – 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Maxine Daniels explains the new Sunday voting plan to DeKalb NAACP President John Evans and other members of the community on Sept. 11 in Decatur.


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Fulton County gives nod to Sunday voting Fulton County registered voters will have the opportunity to vote early

Oct.13-Oct. 31. During the first week of early voting, seven sites will be open to include opportunities for Saturday and Sunday voting.

During the final two weeks of early voting, 19 locations will be open, to include Saturday and Sunday voting.

“We are excited to offer Saturday and Sunday voting,” said Richard Barron, director of Fulton County Registration and Elections. “We believe that by adding these dates, we will not only provide voters with more chances to vote at any of the 19 early voting locations, we will also alleviate the crowds on Election Day.”

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS Monday, Oct. 13 - Friday, Oct. 31 – Weekdays 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturdays Oct. 18 & 25 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sundays Oct. 19 & 26 – Noon - 5 p.m.Johns Creek Environmental Campus - 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022Chastain Park Gymnasium - 140 West Wieuca Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30342*Ocee Library - 5090 Abbott Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30005 North Fulton Service Center - Room 232, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328South Fulton Service Center- 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park, GA 30349Adamsville Recreation Center - 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., SW., Atlanta, 30311*Fulton County Government Center -130 Peachtree Street, Suite 2186, Atlanta EXPANDED EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, October 31 – Weekdays 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 25 – 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 26 – Noon - 5 p.m.College Park Historical Building - 3675 Auditorium Way, College ParkNortheast/Spruill Oaks Library - 9560 Spruill Road, Johns CreekRoswell Library - 115 Norcross St., RoswellThe Milton Center - 86 School Drive, AlpharettaSandy Springs Library - 395 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Sandy SpringsNorthside Library - 3295 Northside Parkway NW, AtlantaWashington Park Library - 1116 Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr., AtlantaWelcome All Recreation Center - 4255 Will Lee Road, College ParkEast Point Library - 2757 Main Street, East PointFairburn Library - 60 Valley View Drive, FairburnSouthwest Arts Center - 915 New Hope Road, AtlantaGeorgia Hills Neighborhood Facility - 250 Georgia Ave., SE, Atlanta, 30312**Sunday voting tentative, based on final approval. For more information regarding Fulton County Registration and Elections, call 404-612-7020 or visit www.fultonelections.com.


Pastorscontinued from page 1

be sentenced on Dec. 3. The wire count stems from the use of a county-funded debit card she used

to pay for several personal items. Boyer reportedly spent $15,000 using the credit card, also known as a “p-card.” The other charge Boyer is facing is for using discretionary funds from the county to bill an advisor for services he never rendered. It is alleged the advisor funneled close to $60,000 into Boyer’s personal bank account and ended up with about $20,000 for himself. Prosecutors say Boyer stole more than $90,000 in total from the county.

Boyer resigned from office on Aug. 25, after serving 22 years as a county commissioner. A Republican, she was the longest-serving commissioner on the board.

Five running to replace Elaine Boyer, District 5 seat still vacant Five people have qualified for the District 1 seat Boyer held. Her seat

will be decided on Nov. 4 during the General Election. The candidates are Republicans Wendy Butler, Larry Danese, former DeKalb County School Board Member Nancy Jester, Tom Owens and Independent Holmes Pyles. County officials say by law, voters must elect someone to fill the seat because Boyer resigned from office. Her four-year term expires in 2016.

With Boyer’s departure from office, the seven-member Board of Commissioners is now down to five people. In addition to filling Boyer’s seat, the District 5 seat must also be filled. The assignment is a little different because the person selected for the District 5 seat will serve as a temporary appointee. Technically, the seat still belongs to Lee May, who left it a year ago after he was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal as Interim CEO of the county. May replaced suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis who stepped down amidst corruption charges. Prosecutors say Ellis pressured county contractors for campaign donations and threatened to take away business from those who did not contribute. Jury selection for Ellis’ trial is underway now. May will hold down the job as CEO until Ellis trial is over and the appointee will hold down May’s seat until May returns to his position.

May selected longtime community activist George Turner to temporarily fill the District 5 seat after a nomination process that included the county running notices in local newspapers seeking candidates. May and a three-member citizens’ panel narrowed the field of candidates to two and then May selected Turner to fill the seat. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners, however, must confirm May’s recommendation.

The board has stalled on making a decision. Commissioner Stan Watson’s motion to approve the nomination failed Sept. 9 after there wasn’t enough support among the four board members who attended the meeting. The board was down to four because Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton was absent due to illness.

Commissioner Jeff Rader opposed the nomination, saying he wanted DeKalb’s Chief Legal Officer Overtis Brantley to take another look at the

Organizational Act and county laws. Rader said he believes the laws were meant for the commissioners to select the new appointee for the District 5 seat—not the Interim CEO. Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Larry Johnson did not speak for or against the nomination.

With no action on the appointment, the board is expected to consider Turner’s nomination again at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 22, 9 a.m., at Maloof Auditorium in Decatur.

Commissioners are under investigationMeanwhile, all of the commissioners are under investigation concerning

their spending of county funds. A federal grand jury has served county officials with a subpoena for a list of 62 vendors that the commissioners, including Lee May, used over the last five years. Each commissioner receives about $265,000 a year for discretionary spending to pay for staff and training and provide a variety of services in their districts. May is included in the investigation because he was a commissioner at the time.

As Interim CEO, May recently revamped the county’s credit card policy, requiring annual audits and yearly training for county officials. May also moved the oversight of the county’s “P cards” from the Purchasing Department to the county’s Finance Department.

May said he welcomes the group’s concerns, knowledge and passion in continuing to move the county in the right direction.

“I’m glad they’re (the pastors) watching and I’ve encouraged them to take a proactive approach in engaging in our county government and its leadership,” said May. “I would hope that this is just the beginning of an active and engaging process with the religious community. Our churches are major stakeholders in the success of our county.”

Pastor Collette Gunby of Green Pastures Christian Ministries in Decatur said she would like to see the coalition of pastors meet as soon as possible.

“We are not here to condemn, but to help and we are ready to start right now. We plan to meet with the B.O.C. privately in the next coming weeks to talk positive strategies for answering the outcry of the community,” said Pastor Gunby. “We are watching the way our elected officials represent the people and how they conduct business. We care and want to heal the broken hearts of DeKalb. My heart is broken right now with all the negative reports about our county.”

Larry Johnson, who serves as presiding officer of the Board of Commissioners, says the board must remain positive as negative reports continue to swirl. He says he also welcomes the help and support of the pastors.

“I’m committed and focused on working with any group looking to improve DeKalb,” said Johnson, who represents DeKalb’s District 3. “We should be fine. We can move forward in the right direction together and bring some positive reports to DeKalb.”


Photo Joshua Smith/OCG News

DECATUR--Koinonia Ministries is enjoying dedicating its church building to the kingdom of God with an impressive list of pastors who are accompanied by their church choirs.

The church began a month-long celebration on Sept. 7 by welcoming Pastor Benjamin Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church of Lithonia.

“Today is a very exciting day for me and this church family. As I look back on some 17 years ago when the Lord placed Koinonia in my spirit, we had about 13 members. Now, we can seat a couple hundred,” said Pastor Roy C. Moffett. “I am truly blessed to share in celebration with these great church leaders. I look forward to learning from these great church leaders and sharing with them knowledge of the Word.”

Moffett and First Lady Sheila L. Moffett

have four children and two grandchildren. They have been in ministry since August 1997. The name of their church, Koinonia, is the Greek translation for “fellowship and communion.”

On Sept. 14, at 2 p.m., the church will hear an inspirational word from Pastor Charles E. Nesbitt, Jr., who has pastored Providence Baptist Church in College Park since 1985.

On Sept. 21, at 2 p.m., the church welcomes Pastor Tyrone Barnette of Peace Baptist Church in Decatur.

On Sept. 28, at 2 p.m., Bishop Eddie L. Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia will close out the celebration.

The community is invited to join the church for the dedication services. Koinonia Ministries is located at 3996 Covington Highway, Decatur. 770-369-1666.

Koinonia Ministries to welcome several pastors and choirs to dedication celebration

Africa’s Children’s Fund will host its 13th annual “Taste of the World” gala on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the downtown Atlanta Hyatt Regency hotel. Funds raised will be used to ship medical supplies and food to West Africa to aid in the control of the Ebola virus, a deadly disease that has killed more than 2,000 people and continues to spread.

Judge and television personality Glenda Hatchett will receive the “Legacy of Hope” award for her outstanding work with troubled children and youths. For two decades, Africa’s Children’s Fund has been supporting children in need in 17 countries, including the U.S. and Caribbean, with education, housing, nutrition and health programs.

The theme for this event is “A Good Taste For A Good Cause.” Over 500 people are expected to attend. The

“Taste of the World” gala is a spectacular display by Atlanta’s premier chefs and their culinary talents featuring delicacies from different regions of the world. The evening will include awards to organizations and individuals whose contributions have made a positive impact in the lives of children in need in the United States and other countries.

“We are pleased to be hosting our 13th annual Taste of the World event,”

said Victor Mbaba, Africa’s Children’s Fund founder and president. “We chose to benefit Ebola victims in West Africa as our main fundraising goal because sufferers are in desperate need of medical supplies, food, and other items to overcome this outbreak in nations where they just don’t have the support and infrastructure to battle this deadly disease. Our goal is to raise enough money to truly make a difference so we

encourage everyone to come out and support this year’s charity event.”

This year’s gala has received support from local and international leaders including Nigerian Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe; President of The Trumpet Awards Foundation Xernona Clayton; Atlanta Council President Ceasar Mitchell; and the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Atlanta Peter McMahon. Imam Elamin, a leader of Interfaith Community in Atlanta, will offer prayers and words of inspiration and unity at the event.

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a major sponsor of this year’s Taste of the World benefit. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.africaschildrensfund.org or contact Jackie McCuen at 678-381-1282 or [email protected].

Africa’s Children’s Fund to host ‘Taste of the World’ benefit

Senior Pastor of Koinonia Ministries, Roy C. Moffett, proudly stands in front of his new church home in Decatur.


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People Movers & Shakers in the Community

The Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) has named Alvin P. (Al) Nash as its new executive director.

“We are very excited that someone with Al Nash’s expertise has agreed to join the Development Authority of Fulton County in such a key role,” said DAFC Chairman Robert J. Shaw. “We are seeing a renewed interest in companies looking to relocate here or expand operations

in Fulton County and we are convinced that Al’s knowledge, relationships and experience will ensure we are as competitive as possible in bringing new jobs to the county.”

Nash brings extensive business recruitment and economic development experience to his new role. For the past five years, he has been executive director for Progress Partners, an economic

development initiative by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he has more than 40 years experience in development with extensive ties to various groups involved in economic development public policy, business growth and job creation.

Prior to joining Progress Partners in 2009, Nash was executive vice president for The

Coleman Group, a top

residential developer in the metro area. In addition, he has held numerous positions within the real estate and economic development market around Metro Atlanta for the past four decades. A certified process manager, Nash is certified by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to mediate land use conflicts between local governments.

Atlanta mourns S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A

Upon hearing the news of S. Truett Cathy’s death, the City of College Park placed a memorial on display inside City Hall.

Thousands of people attended the funeral of S. Truett Cathy, who founded the highly successful Chick-fil-A, which started in College Park as a small diner and grew into a multi-billion-dollar-a-year franchise.

Cathy died Monday, Sept. 8. According to Chick-fil-A’s web site, he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. He was 93. Born March 14, 1921, in Eatonton, Georgia, Cathy was 4 years old when his family moved to Atlanta, where he attended Boys High, now known as Grady High School.

In 1946, Cathy built a tiny diner in the Atlanta suburb of Hapeville. He developed it into Chick-fil-A. It was at the original restaurant that Cathy created the sandwich that became the company’s signature item. Credited with pioneering in-mall fast food, Cathy established his first mall location inside Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall, and eventually built one of the nation’s largest family-owned companies as Chick-fil-A reached $5 billion in annual sales in 2013. Currently, Chick-fil-A operates more than 1,800 in 40 states and Washington, D.C.

Recognizing the brand’s success from 2013, the City of College Park honored Chick-fil-A with a proclamation delivered during the July 21, 2014 meeting of the Mayor and Council. Upon hearing the news of Cathy’s death, the City of College Park placed a memorial on display inside City Hall. Cathy led Chick-fil-A on an unparalleled record of 47 consecutive years of annual sales increases. Cathy’s oldest son, Dan, became president of Chick-fil-A in 2001 and chairman and chief executive officer in 2013, while Truett Cathy continued in the role of chairman emeritus until his death. Cathy was a devout Southern Baptist who taught Sunday school to 13-year-old boys for more than 50 years. As an extension of the founder’s faith and the clearest example of incorporating biblical principles into the workplace, all Chick-fil-A restaurants—without exception—operate with a “Closed-on-Sunday” policy. Cathy believed in allowing employees a day for family, worship, fellowship or rest. That belief underscored Cathy’s desire to put principles and people ahead of profits.

Alvin P. (Al) Nash

Atlanta Development Authority names new Executive Director


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Sept.13, 2014